James Taylor, right, shared a stand of 147 with Kevin Pietersen in the former's first Test appearance – against South Africa in 2012. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images

Eoin Morgan

The Middlesex batsman is the only one available to England who can come close to matching Pietersen's outrageous talent. He was discarded after England's poor tour of the UAE in 2011-12, and has played only nine first-class games since, which has not helped his case.

Moeen Ali

An elegant batsman and a handy off-spinner. He was the PCA's Most Valuable Player in 2013, when he scored 1,375 first class runs at 62.50, and also took 28 wickets at 33. Overdue an opportunity in the Test team after five years in and out of England Lions.

James Taylor

Still only 24, though he seems to have been around a lot longer. He was dropped by England after two Tests against South Africa, sharing a stand of 147 with Pietersen on debut, but is back batting at No4 for the England Lions on their tour to Sri Lanka.